Moon Lore

By Timothy Harley

This work is a contribution to light literature, and to the literature of light. Though a monograph, it is also a medley. The first part is mythological. It is the original nucleus around which the other parts have gathered. Some years since, the writer was led to investigate the world-wide myth of the Man in the Moon, in its legendary and ludicrous aspects; and one study being a stepping-stone to another, the ball was enlarged as it rolled. The second part, dealing with moon-worship, is designed to show that anthropomorphism and sexuality have been the principal factors in that idolatry which in all ages has paid homage to the hosts of heaven, as heaved above the aspiring worshipper. Man adores what he regards as higher than he. And if the moon is supposed to affect his tides, that body becomes his water-god. The third part treats of lunar superstitions. The fourth and final part is a literary essay on lunar inhabitation, presenting in nuce the present vstate of the enigma of "the plurality of worlds."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781105616709

Reviews for Moon Lore

[rhinoa_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a collection of myths and folktales featuring the moon from around the world. They are abbreviated versions from a variety of different cultures and traditions. The book has sections on the different moons throughout the year (eg. Hare Moon, Harvest Moon) and tales that correspond. Some feature the Man in the Moon and why there are dark spots, others are the various creatures and deities linked to the moon. It was a lovely collection and introduction to myths and legends and I will definitely be following up on some of them and tracking down the original source material. It was good to read outside the usual Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Celtic and Norse tales. There is a companion volume called Sun Lore which I am looking forward to reading this year.